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Eagle Scout about to become a Naval Academy midshipman

Determined, passionate and fearless, he’s Martin High School graduate and soon-to-be midshipman Owen Hulme. ��

Hulme��is ready to��embrace the challenges of the four-year academy.��

“It’s been lots of running and lots of working out,” Hulme said. “It’s also been lots of studying on naval history.”��

For Hulme, his journey into the military is about more than just serving his country. It’s also about learning to lead those around him. ��

“I want to serve as an officer,” he said. “I want to lead my brothers and sisters in arms. I’ve always liked standing up and leading the people around me. I want to learn from the best.”��

In fact, Hulme’s leadership has always been evident through his involvement at Martin as a swim team captain, roboboat member and active participant in his STEM courses. ��

Inspired by book “,” Hulme felt destined to enter the Naval Academy after graduation. ��

“Reading about his story and what he had to overcome, it really pushed me,” Hulme said. “The caliber of people I wanted to work with was exactly who was represented in the book.” ��

That’s also why�� leader and former Army Ranger John Burdick has helped mentor Hulme along the way. ��

“He helped me a lot in figuring out what I wanted to do and what the best way to do that was,” Hulme said. ��

As a thirty-year veteran, Burdick knows Hulme will make an outstanding officer one day.��

“He’s a great scout and a great young man,” Burdick said. “When you think of an Eagle Scout and what comes to mind – a person always willing to take charge, be a leader, jump in to help wherever it’s needed, carries a great personality, upbeat and helpful – that’s Owen.”��

After submitting over 15 essays and earning a congressional��nomination, Hulme was accepted into the academy with a full scholarship. ��

For students interested in following the same path, Hulme’s advice is simple.��

“Get started on the application process as early as you can and believe in yourself,” he said. ��

Later this month, Hulme will make his way to the academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he plans to major in ocean engineering. After he graduates, he’ll embark on an eight-year commitment in the Navy, five of which will be served on active duty.��

“I am so incredibly proud of him, and I am overjoyed that he made it in,” Burdick said. “He’s worked so hard to achieve this goal. Anybody who sees his success can take that from it. If you have a goal, it is absolutely possible to achieve it.” ��

His story inspires his peers��to have the strength never to give up on their dreams.����

“It’s a lot of hard work, you’ve got to want it,” he��said. “But it’s so worth it.”��

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